I vaguely remember him talking about his childhood and family in some early interviews. His father is an addict and Shia was exposed to/witnessed a lot of his father's behaviors, as well as having to be the bread winner for his family at times (as a child) and today:
From Shia's Wiki:
LaBeouf has described his parents as "hippies", his father as "tough as nails and a different breed of man", and his upbringing as similar to a "hippy lifestyle", stating that his parents were "pretty weird people, but they loved me and I loved them."[7][9][16] During his childhood, he accompanied his father to meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous.[6] LaBeouf has also said he was subjected to verbal and mental abuse by his father, who once pointed a gun at his son during a Vietnam War flashback.[9] LaBeouf has stated that his father was "on drugs" during his childhood, and was placed in drug rehabilitation for heroin addiction, while LaBeouf's mother was "trying to hold down the fort."[7]
His parents eventually divorced, mainly owing to financial problems,[17] and LaBeouf had what he has described as a "good childhood", growing up poor in Echo Park with his mother, who worked selling fabrics and brooches.[18][19] LaBeouf's uncle was going to adopt him at one stage because his parents could not afford to have him anymore and "they had too much pride to go on welfare or food stamps."[20] As a way of dealing with his parents' divorce, he would perform for his family, mimicking his father.[21] LaBeouf remains close to and financially supports both of his parents.[6][7][22]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_LaBeouf
I watched him on the show Even Stevens when I was younger. I think he does have natural talent. It's too bad that his demons (any mental issues/unresolved issues from his childhood, probably exacerbated by drug use) are overshadowing his career/life.
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